Category: Jeremiah

“For who is like me, and who can challenge me?
      What ruler can oppose my will?” (19)

Amongst other things, what stands out to me about Jeremiah 49 is verse 19 above. It reminds me of what Paul says in Romans 9:

²⁰ But who are you, a human being, to talk back to God?“Shall what is formed say to the one who formed it,‘Why did you make me like this?’” ²¹ Does not the potter have the right to make out of the same lump of clay some pottery for special purposes and some for common use? (ESV)

By: Graham Withers — Pastoral Ministry Associate

I honestly like how the ESV Study Bible describes Moab and this chapter so I just want to share that with you all today. It reads: 

“Israel’s dealings with Moab date back even further than its relationship with Philistia. Moab’s origins in Abraham’s era began with the tawdy episode of Lot and his daughters (Gen. 19:30-38). Moab opposed Israel in Moses’ era (Numbers 22-25), served Israel in David’s era (2 Sam. 8:2), and plotted with Judah against Babylon in Zedekiah’s era (Jer. 27:3). Here Jeremiah claims God will judge Moab’s arrogance and idolatry (v. 1-10), make Moab ashamed of its god (v. 11-20), silence Moab’s boast (v. 21-44), and someday restore Moab (v. 45-47).” 

As you can see, the country of Moab has been around for a very long time. Sometimes they were friends with God’s people, other times they were enemies. During this chapter, they were friends with Israel, but that doesn’t mean they weren’t acting wickedly. They were following after another god and being boastful in their own works, and for that, God was going to punish them. Then, after some time, God said he would restore them. 

I think some of the blame could have been on Israel for this. Israel was to be a light to the nations and they failed at that because of their own wickedness. Maybe if Israel had been obedient to God throughout its history, Moab would have turned from their god and followed the one true God. 

This is why it is so important to take the Gospel to people. They need to hear about how they can be saved from their sins through faith in Jesus Christ. It is the only thing that can save them from an eternity in Hell. God has tasked us with this mission, are you going to take part in getting the Gospel to the nations?

By: Brice Stockton — Student Ministry Associate

Joshua 23:3–13 offers a stiff warning to Israel at the time of the Conquest—drive out the inhabitants of the Land, do not associate with them, do not intermarry with them—they will be a snare and a trap for you and a whip on your sides and thorns in your eyes (Josh. 23:13). In Judges 3:1–4, we see clearly that Israel failed to drive them out. Indeed, as Joshua predicted, the inhabitants of the Land, and especially the Philistines, were a constant thorn for Israel. 

Our chapter today is Jeremiah’s prophecy concerning the Philistines. Although it had been 700+ years since Joshua issued his warning, the Lord spoke through a new prophet that the Philistines would face destruction. 

The language of the prophecy is harsh, and so is the reality of its fulfillment. Both Egypt and Babylon sacked Gaza and Ashkelon respectively. So, what can we learn from this text about predictive prophecy?

First, prophecy reveals God’s faithfulness. A former professor would say, “The only apologetic (proof) God ever gives for His own existence is to say He will do something, and then do it.” God is true to His Word. We have repeated examples of fulfilled prophecy—especially as it relates to Jesus. More importantly than the power to know and speak with authority about the future, we cherish God’s faithfulness to do that which He promises. 

Second, prophecy reveals God’s character. There are several good prophetic utterances in the Bible, but most of the prophecies are about impending destruction. God does not declare the prophecy of destruction in a mocking “nah-nah-na-boo-boo” way. Instead, He says “judgment is coming” and on the occasions that individuals or groups repent, they are always spared. Yes, Jeremiah declares the Word of the Lord that Philistia was going to be crushed. Yet, we can see from the many examples in Scripture that if individuals repent, they will survive the trial. 

Third, prophecy reveals God’s justice. God has not punished sin fully and completely. Although Christ crushed sin on the cross, the gavel has not yet fallen and sin has not received its sentencing. We live in a time that many call the “already-not yet” for that reason. 

God has spoken prophecies of judgment that have been fulfilled, like Jeremiah 47. However, there are many prophecies yet unfulfilled. God is just, sin cannot go unpunished, and either Christ takes that punishment for individuals or they take it for themselves. Although God used the Philistines to bring judgment on Israel at various points, God does not wink at their wickedness. As we see in today’s passage, their day is coming. 

God’s justice is still alive and active. There are many prophecies regarding the sin and evil in this world that have yet to come true. It took over 700 years for the Philistines to face the judgement they deserve. Do not mistake God’s waiting for absence, nor his grace of time to repent for apathy. God is neither absent nor apathetic; He is waiting. He is waiting for a time that is known only to Him when the Church has fulfilled its mission. 

He has spoken regarding the future—not fully, but sufficiently. We know Christ is coming back. We know that judgment is coming. The only question is what will you face when it comes and how many people in your life will ask why you didn’t tell them?

By: Tyler Short — Connections Ministry Associate

Thank you for faithfully reading God’s Word through JumpStart!  We love providing this resource to allow the people at Center Point to flourish in daily communion with God.  I hope that you’ve continued to honor your commitment to pray every day – truly communing with the Heavenly Father.  It’s the source of power in the Christian life.

When you read Jeremiah 46, you realize one clear thing…

GOD WINS!

I’m not sure how that speaks to you today – but maybe you just needed to hear that – to see it in today’s Scripture reading.  Things lately have been overwhelming.  Every day the news media seem to be saying that things are worse and worse.  You may feel overwhelmed, frustrated, maybe even defeated.

I want to remind you – GOD WINS!  If you’re in a relationship with God through Jesus, you are on the winning team.  When things get tough – I always run back to the basics…

Worship God every day – remembering who He is

More than ever – it’s essential to begin your day worshipping God.  Looking to Him, acknowledging His mighty attributes, and praising Him.  Remember – He’s God – you’re not!

Trust Him

You trust in something… what is it?  The government?  The news?  yourself?  All of those things will let you down – find your trust in the Lord!  (Read Psalm 37 today….)

Seek Him with all of your heart

When you seek Him with all of your heart and put Him first, your perspective changes.  You begin to live such that your life revolves around God rather than God revolving around your life.  Game Changer!

Commune with Him in the morning and all throughout the day

Jesus OFTEN went to the mountains to pray.  After walking everywhere and having no real bed to sleep in, He thought is was important to commune with His Father.  What about you?  Are you too busy to pray or too busy NOT TO pray?

Share Him

When you share Jesus with others – whether a full Gospel witness or a simple word, you bring Him to the forefront of your thoughts.  Sharing Jesus is a powerful tool of focus in our lives.

I know times are hard – many of us feel disconnected, lonely, and scared.  BUT remember today – GOD WINS!  Allow that thought to dominate your day!

By: Tim Parsons — Lead Pastor